“Because if he’s taken her somewhere off our radar…”
I slammed the door shut behind me, rage settling into something colder.
“We’ll find it,” I said. “And when we do—”
My voice dropped, lethal.
“I’m not just killing Marco.”
Knox glanced at me.
“I’m going to make him regret every second he's even looked at what's ours.”
Chapter 21: Lena
Yuri’s hands tightened around the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white.
My panic rose about ten minutes ago, the moment he turned right onto Fowler Street instead of left. I had studied the map of Falcon City enough times to know the route to AIED Headquarters.
This wasn’t it.
We were driving into Marco’s territory. The part of the city that answered to him more than Arca. He owned everything here. Everyone. The omega stash houses were scattered throughout most of this district.
“Command wants to hear it from you personally,” Yuri said, his tone too casual. “The briefing and all that.”
I nodded, keeping my expression neutral, careful not to give anything away.
But inside, panic clawed at me.
I pressed my palms together, right, then left, back and forth, grounding myself with bilateral stimulation, the way Dr.Hampton had taught me.
If I lost control now…
Yuri went on, as if nothing was off. “After what you’ve been giving us, they’re interested. Figure it’s better coming straight from you than filtered through reports.”
He glanced at me briefly, then back to the road.
“You won’t have to say much. Just confirm a few things, answer some questions. In and out.”
I nodded again, playing along.
But I wasn’t listening anymore. Not really.
I was watching.
Cataloging.
The lock on the door. Manual.Maybe I could reach it if I timed it right… but I wouldn't be able to exit at this speed.
I read the street signs as we passed them, tracking each one, mapping our route in my head. My mind worked to narrow down our possible destination with every turn he took.
The radio hummed softly in the background, low enough to blend into the silence.
Yuri's gun rested at his hip, just visible beneath his jacket. Close enough to grab if I leaned… too far to take cleanly without him noticing. Plus, I hadn't a clue how to use it.
Every detail became puzzle pieces.
And depending on which ones I imputed.
